The Toyota GR Corolla is known for its powerful turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Originally, it only came with a snappy six-speed manual transmission. However, leaked documents suggest that an eight-speed automatic option may be available for the GR Corolla in 2025.
The leaked documents, which were posted on the GR Corolla Forum, reveal a new “Premium AT” model that features the supposed eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Despite this new addition, the Core and Premium trims will still come standard with a six-speed manual transmission.
Introducing an automatic transmission option for the GR Corolla would be a logical move. The GR Yaris, a similar model sold overseas, received a “Direct Automatic Transmission” last year with eight gears. Surprisingly, this new gearbox only added 40 pounds to the car’s curb weight. By offering an automatic transmission in the US, the GR Corolla could attract a wider range of buyers without significantly impacting its performance.
Moreover, the automatic transmission would provide the GR Corolla with more torque. Currently, the base model with a six-speed manual transmission produces 273 pound-feet of torque, while the top-of-the-line Morizo model generates 295 pound-feet. However, according to the leaked documents, all models equipped with the automatic transmission would produce 295 pound-feet of torque, aligning with the eight-speed transmission on the GR Yaris.
When contacted for a statement, Toyota remained tight-lipped about the potential automatic transmission option for the GR Corolla. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We have nothing to announce at this time.” If the rumors are accurate, we can anticipate the official debut of the automatic GR Corolla sometime before the end of the year, with sales expected to commence early in 2025.
As Toyota continues to innovate and expand its lineup, the addition of an automatic transmission to the GR Corolla could attract new customers and enhance the driving experience for enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates from Toyota as they reveal their plans for the future of the GR Corolla.